Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association issues global appeal for donations

The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PNH) urged Sri Lankans living abroad and others to donate medicines and medical equipment as soon as possible to save the lives of innocent patients who are being endangered daily due to the severe shortages.

In a statement PNH said that the import of medicines and medical equipment was a serious problem due to the shortage of dollars in foreign exchange reserves, adding that the entire hospital system in Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe crisis.

“Unless necessary action is taken to rectify the situation as soon as possible, the entire health system of the country could be severely damaged in the near future,” PNH warned.

As a consortium representing all private hospitals and nursing homes in Sri Lanka, PNH has taken actions to make awareness of this vulnerability with the Ministry of Health and the Private Healthcare Regulatory Council. The statement issued by the association further stated that Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena was also informed on the 76 major medicines which are identified as out of stock.

Accordingly, with the approval of the Ministry of Health, the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes has launched an expeditious program to import drugs and medical equipment that are on the list and are not available, and the Association assures that these medicines will be provided to patients completely free-of-charge.

Donors who are willing to contribute to this can call +94 1777755171 (Chairman Dr. Ananda Kuruppu Arachchi), +94 773497515 (Secretary Dr. Sunil Ratnapriya) or email [email protected] and [email protected]